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An Early Canine Meeting

Signed and dated 1855
Oil on canvas 29 x 37 ins
This is one of the most historic of all dog paintings. It depicts a scene at Jemmy (or Jimmy) Shaw's Queen's Head Tavern in 1855. Leads, as they were sometimes called, bridge the gap between the early baiting and fighting sports and dog shows, as we now know them. It shows Shaw and many of his regulars, all men, for the ladies had their own shows held in more genteel surroundings. A number of early breeds are shown - Bulldogs, Bull Terriers, Black and Tan Terriers and Toy Spaniels. The walls are covered with prints depicting aspects of sporting life, including boxing, for Shaw was a skillfull lightweight pugilist of his day.
Usage: Q10-27

© The Kennel Club

Pug

Black Pug
Note - There is increased concern among dog welfare organisations, the veterinary profession, dog breed clubs and scientific researchers about the health and welfare of brachycephalic (flat faced) dogs due to the amount they are used in advertising and to endorse/sell products. We would strongly discourage using images of these breeds (such as the French Bulldog, Pug and Bulldog) for purposes that are not breed-specific, such as to promote unrelated products or services

© The Kennel Club

England Expects

Signed
Oil on canvas 18 x 24 ins
There was much political infighting between supporters of Toy Bulldogs, Miniature Bulldogs and French Bulldogs: the Kennel Club would not have them, the Bulldog people didn't want them but the French Bulldog Club finally won the day and that breed survived, although all three were probably variants of the same. The two here are Toy Bulldogs, a breed that did not survive the First World War. They are Ch Peter Amos and Ch Ninon de L'Enclos, both owned by Lady Pilkington who made up eight of the 20 Champions in the breed. This is the original painting for the photogravure number 22, England Expects, in Maud Earl's portfolio Terriers and Toys